Mar 14 (DN) Two experienced coaches, Hyacinth Wijesinghe and P.D.N. Prasadi have been selected as the Netball Junior Head Coach and Assistant Coach respectively and they are expected to form a strong Junior team for the Asian Youth Netball Championship from June 14 to 21 in South Korea and for the World Youth Netball Championship from September 19 to 28 in Gibraltar. Both Hyacinth and Prasadi have lot of experience as senior team coaches. Hayacinth the expert coach more..

Mar 14 (FT) 99x Founder Mano Sekaram on Wednesday underscored the pivotal significance of entrepreneurship among women in enabling them to achieve financial independence and actively contribute to economic growth. Delivering the keynote speech at the Women’s Leadership Forum organised by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka (WCIC), he expressed discontent at the inadequate female labour force participation and business opportunities for more..

Mar 14 (FT) The Supreme Court, on 11 March, dismissed the Leave to Appeal Application filed by Vidullanka PLC CEO Riyaz Mohamed Sangani, against the Court of Appeal’s order, which had been granted in favour of the Securities and Exchange Commission of SL (SEC). The case was heard before a three-judge bench comprising His Lordship Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, Justice Sampath Abayakoon and Justice Sampath Wijeratne. In 2023, pursuant to an application made by Sangani, more..

Mar 14 (ST) If events of this week are any indication, the issue of Indian fishermen poaching in SL waters is likely to figure prominently when Indian PM Narendra Modi makes an official visit to SL early next month. Moreover, judging by what one of the most senior govt figures told Parliament, NPP govt obviously believes India is not doing enough to prevent such poaching by its fishermen. Minister Bimal Rathnayake had some harsh words more..

Mar 14 (ST) Last month, Sri Lanka presented its ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) where the progression and regression of women’s rights in the country were discussed and advised upon. The presentation has received mixed reviews with civil society representatives who attended the sessions in Geneva noting that the report ignored some poignant women’s issues in the country. more..

Mar 14 (FT) In a concerted effort to enhance awareness on the Govt’s digital economy policies, a special session was held at the Parliamentary committee complex, bringing together MPs from both ruling and opposition parties. The event aimed to outline the Govt’s strategic approach to digitalisation, a key focus area in its policy framework and national budget. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri more..

Mar 14 (FT) The latest labelling and advertising regulations introduced by the Health Ministry along with the CAA regulations, which are in place have sparked widespread debate with industry stakeholders raising concerns practical implementation challenges and inconsistencies in regulatory enforcement. The multi-billion rupee local food and beverage industry has been at the forefront of these discussions, calling for exemptions more..

Mar 14 (FT) Court of Appeal has declared that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL (CA SL) falls within the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, No. 12 of 2016. The judgment, delivered on 6 March, marks a critical moment in the enforcement of citizens’ right to access information from professional bodies that perform public functions. The case arose when a petitioner sought information from CA SL under the RTI Act, which the institute refused, arguing that more..

Mar 14 (FT) The Sri Lanka-Japan Business Council (SLJBC) extended its sincere gratitude to the Govt for confirming the country’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. “This prestigious global event presents an invaluable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich culture, heritage, and economic potential on an international stage,” the SLJBC said in a statement. “While our presence at the Expo will highlight Sri Lanka’s unique offerings, our primary focus should extend beyond exhibition. more..

Mar 14 (FT) In a groundbreaking achievement for SL’s IT and electronics manufacturing industry, EWIS Colombo Ltd. this week successfully exported its first consignment of locally built laptops to Zimbabwe. This landmark event not only positions Sri Lanka as an emerging force in global IT hardware manufacturing but also highlights EWIS’s commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence on the international stage. EWIS is the country’s first and only local computer manufacturer. more..

Mar 14 (EN) A skilled worker shortage in the German labour market could be an opportunity for Sri Lankans, an official from the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in SL (AHK SL) has said. “There is a skilled labour shortage and there are opportunities coming up, not only for India – there is an opportunity for the SL skilled workforce, to go there, gain enhanced knowledge and come back to SL,” Malintha Gajanayake, Head of Corporate Affairs/Export Promotions at AHK SL told more..

Mar 14 (DM) The animal census is not being conducted with the aim of obtaining 100% accurate data but rather as a survey to estimate the number of monkeys, giant squirrels and peacocks living in these areas, Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said. He said that the data obtained from the census is expected to be used to enhance agricultural productivity. "Sometimes, we may need to conduct another round of this survey, more..

Mar 14 (FT) SL’s tourism industry has drawn over 70,000 visitors during the first nine days of March, but the country faces an uphill battle to meet its ambitious monthly target of 302,803 arrivals. From 1-9 March, SL welcomed a total of 70,449 tourists, a notable increase from 60,7222 in the same period in 2024, whilst the daily average arrivals during the same time have also increased from 6,747 in last year to 7,828 in 2025. This has also propelled the year-to-date (YTD) arrivals to 563,427 more..

Mar 14 (AD) An elephant brought to participate in a Perahera (procession) held at a Hindu temple in Kotagala town, Hatton, has reportedly attacked and injured a person. The person injured in the elephant attack was admitted to the Kotagala Divisional Hospital, and the condition of the injured person is not critical, according to an official from the organizing committee of the procession. The incident took place yesterday (12) after the Hindu temple’s procession had ended, more..

Mar 14 (AD) The suspect arrested for the sexual assault of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital has been ordered to be detained for 48 hours for questioning after being produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. Furthermore, his sister and another person who were arrested in connection with aiding and abetting the suspect have been ordered remanded until March 17. Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya issued the order. more..

Mar 14 (AD) Former Member of Parliament for the Kalutara District, Lakshman Wijemanne, has announced his decision to leave the United National Party (UNP) and join the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The former UNP Kalutara District Leader has met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today and pledged his support to the SJB. Incidentally this comes following the appointment of new constituency organizers and district leaders for the UNP which was held yesterday (12). more..

Mar 14 (FT) The COPE has uncovered serious discrepancies in the procurement of medicines during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The revelations emerged during a COPE session this week, attended by top health officials including representatives from National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena. During the proceedings, more..

Mar 14 (NW) Govt of India has gifted 50,000 ampoules of Furosemide injection 20mg/2ml to cater to the medicine shortage in SL hospitals in the immediate term. The stock of medicine has been granted in response to an urgent request from the Govt of SL. The consignment was handed over by the High Commissioner of India to SL Santosh Jha to Minister of Health of SL, Nalinda Jayatissa at an event held at the Ministry of Health today (13). Secretary to the Ministry of Health, more..

Mar 14 (AD) A former Superintendent (SP) of the Boossa Prison, Siridath Dhammika, was shot by an unidentified gunman at Thalagaha in Akmeemana, according to police. Akmeemana Police stated that the assailant arrived at the victim’s house this afternoon (13), carried out the shooting, and fled the scene. The former prison officer had succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The deceased, a 61-year-old retired Superintendent of Prisons, had served at Boossa Prison & retired in March last year. more..

Mar 14 (TM) GMOA called for a long-term comprehensive mechanism to ensure the safety of resident doctors and healthcare staff. This call follows the token strike launched by GMOA on Wednesday across all hospitals in the country in protest against the sexual assault and rape of a female doctor at the A'pura Teaching Hospital (TH). However, the GMOA, along with the doctors and staff of the A'pura TH, called off their strike yesterday after more..

Mar 14 (FT) Following is the keynote address delivered by Dr. Sasanka Perera at the first award ceremony of The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy recently at Mihilama Medura, BMICH. I have been made to understand, today marks the convocation of the first cohort of students at the The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership & Public Policy. So, it is a happy day for all those graduating in a world where immediate work and life circumstances are not more..

Mar 14 (FT) Having served in a role focused on attracting investment into SL during one of its most challenging periods, what stood out to me was the commitment of a few remarkable investors – those willing to risk their capital for long-term returns, largely because of their deep connection and love for the country. Their contributions often go unnoticed. Many of them came to SL in a small way, fell in love with the country, and over time decided to invest more of their wealth, even when more..

Mar 14 (AD) The school cut-off marks for the admission of students to Grade 06 of the schools based on the results of the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Exam have been released by the Ministry of Education. Accordingly, the ministry said the students can check the schools that they have been selected to, using the following link starting: https://g6application.moe.gov.lk/ Students who have qualified based on the 2024 Grade 5 Scholarship Exam but have not received a school or more..

Mar 14 (DM) SL is facing a sleep related problem that can lead to various physical and mental health issue due to not getting proper sleep. Specialist Dr. Dilesha Wadasinghe stated that not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of vehicle accidents. She stated that practicing good sleep hygiene can improve memory growth during sleep, and boost both mental and physical health. She urged that lack of good sleep can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more..

Mar 14 (FT) Local authority elections are looming large on the Sri Lankan political horizon. The anticipated island-wide mini-election has resulted in much activity among SL’s political parties, groups and organisations. Tamil dominated Northern Province and Tamil majority Eastern Province are also caught up in this election excitement. There have been diverse attempts by concerned Tamil political parties to strike up new alliances or more..

Mar 14 (EN) Top American universities will be on a road show across key cities initiative backed by the US-SL Fulbright Commission. Students seeking admission in undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctorate programs can meet representatives from 9 accredited universities and colleges from across the United States. “Come study in the United States where top talent and innovators are cultivated, and our universities drive discovery,” US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung said. more..

Mar 14 (FT) Western Provincial Council announced the launch of an exciting new initiative, the Salam Ramadan campaign, which will take place from 21 to 31 March which will include a cultural festival from 21-23 March at Green Path, Col 7. The multi-stakeholder initiative aims to enhance the Ramadan experience through a cultural festival at Green Path, offering both a festive atmosphere and a deeper understanding of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the cultural practices of the SL Muslims. more..

Mar 14 (CI) Debutant Malki Madara's three-for combined with two-fors from Kavisha Dilhari and Inoshi Priyadharshani set up a comfortable victory for Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener in Christchurch. Chamari Athapaththu's unbeaten 64 off 48 balls then took the visitors home with seven wickets in hand. This was SL's first T20I win in NZ and second win overall against NZ in the format. Emma McLeod (44) was NZ's highest scorer more..

Mar 14 (PMD) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held today at the Prez Secretariat. Discussions focused on enhancing the efficiency, integration and development of the manufacturing sector to strengthen the national economy, as well as addressing the challenges associated with these efforts. Key topics included govt-led initial investments & proper regulation to empower more..

Mar 14 (NW) Muttur Police have arrested a 15-year-old girl on suspicion of brutally murdering her two elderly grandmothers in their home in Dahangar, Muttur. The victims, aged 68 and 74, were found hacked to death early this morning, with initial investigations indicating they had been attacked with a sharp weapon. Following the gruesome discovery, a magisterial inquiry was conducted by the Muttur Magistrate, while police launched a probe to identify those responsible for the killings. more..

Mar 14 (EN) Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP, Mohamed Sali Naleem, has officially resigned from his position as a MP. Speaking in parliament today, Naleem said that he is resigning as an MP in order to contest the upcoming LG Election for the Eravur Urban Council. Naleem was sworn in as a member of the Tenth Parliament before the Speaker on Dec 3. He was appointed as a National List MP representing the SLMC. He had also previously served as the Chairman of Eravur UC. more..

Mar 14 (AD) Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe emphasized the importance of promoting a sustainable and cost-effective construction industry in the country, highlighting key challenges and opportunities in the sector. Speaking at Construction Expo 2025 on Friday, Dr. Weerasinghe underscored the need for Sri Lanka to align with global trends in sustainable construction, integrating cost-effective energy solutions and eco-friendly building practices. more..

Mar 14 (Island) Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasised that only the Central Govt of India could prevent the Tamil Nadu fishing fleet from poaching in SL waters. Minister said that the Central Govt of India in consultation with Tamil Nadu should without further delay deploy the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to prevent large-scale organised crossing of the Indo-Lanka maritime boundary. more..

Mar 14 (FT) A SL born world famous conservation scientist and the Conservation International’s CEO Dr. M. Sanjayan said, Sri Lanka had a lot to offer as it was a unique place on earth with amazing natural resources. He said that if he was to tell about SL for his five-year-old daughter he would tell her stories from his childhood where a monkey had stolen his birthday cake, his first time fishing experience, love for animals and the elephants seen behind his house but for the world he would tell more..

Mar 14 (PMD) A meeting between Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake and academics of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) was held this morning (13) at the Prez Secretariat. During the discussion, the academics briefed the Prez on the challenges they are currently facing, and potential solutions to address these issues were examined. It was highlighted that SL is presently engaged in the IMF program, which requires the govt to adhere to more..